Home   Southern Devon folk diary

An email circulation list with currently around 1400 contacts provides regular information on folk events across southern Devon roughly within a 30 mile radius as the crow flies of  Totnes. To join the list, email johnculf@harbertonfolk.co.uk for further information. Still relevant parts of the most recent emailed circulars are reproduced below, along with a developing Draft of the next, but check out the Diary for full listings.
The e-circulars are sent on as regular a basis as possible, usually weekly or fortnightly, not more than one per week apart from exceptional circumstances (and never with any attachments).

Circulars dated:   1/9/10   25/8/10   14/8/10

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DRAFT NEXT Harberton Folk Circular - ????day ?? September 2010
Only a selection of events follows below - the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

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Stories from the Butterwalk - Monthly storytell in Totnes
Bring a story to share or just listen. £2.
Tuesdays 14 Sept, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec - 8pm @ Bogan House, 43 High St, Totnes (through the Costume Museum).

Sunday 3 October 2010 - Fisherman's Friends - Tavistock Wharf (map)
Seated concert. Box office 01822 611166 www.tavistockwharf.com

Sunday 3 October 2010 7.30pm - Dave Swarbrick & Martin Carthy - Exeter Corn Exchange (map)
A startlingly intense reunion from this legendary, ground-breaking duo. All the old skills are demonstrated with a new collection of traditional songs and instrumentals. Their experienced approach to their art lacks none of the fervour of their early days, and brings a maturity born of many years living with the music that is an integral part of their beings. Box office 01392 665866 www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12782

Other acoustic music...
...on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk and its associated email circulars: I try to stay on topic for the most part. That way most people get what they sign up for most of the time. But I do sometimes include other related forms of acoustic music

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1/9/10

Harberton Folk Circular - Wednesday 1 September 2010
Only a selection of events follows below - the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

3-12 September 2010 - Totnes Festival www.totnesfestival.com (see website for full varied programme of arts events), including
At the Bay Horse Inn (map) at 8 Cistern Street at the top of Totnes, tel. 01803 862088 (Beer & Cider Festival runs 10-12 Sept):
Mon 6th Sept 8.30pm - Folk and Folklore Night - folk session with storytelling and recitals by Bob Mann and Sam Richards)
Thu 9th Sept 8.30pm - Nicky Swann - Newton Abbot based singer/songwriter, folk/blues/country style
At the Royal Seven Stars (map) by The Plains at the bottom of town::
Fri 10th Sept 8pm - Blue Jewel - an exciting new acoustic / folk band brought together by Steve Banks (Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band, Chanter). Info, booking details and sample tracks at www.bluejewel.info.

Thursday 9 September 2010 - Charlie Parr & Frank Fairfield - B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth (map)
Charlie Parr is a folk and country blues musician who tours extensively through the USA and Europe and is routinely hailed as "authentic" and the "real deal by fans and critics alike. Joining Charlie is Frank Fairfield, a California based fiddle, guitar and banjo player who sings soaring hillbilly ballads and arcane rambling songs which take the listener back to the pre-war America of Mississippi John Hurt and Dock Boggs. £8, doors 8pm. Call 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk

Saturday 11 September 2010 11am-midnight - Fishstock - Brixham New Fish Quay
A festival (in aid of Brixham Fishermen's Mission) of food and music (on 2 stages), including Mad Dog McCrea; Rachel Jones Quartet; Jiggerypipery; Maggie Duffy & Mike Weed; Southern Comfort; Rory Ellis; Hobson’s Choice and much more. The festival website www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk does not (yet) say a great deal, particularly about the music, so I've put a full 'working programme' on this page: www.johnculf.co.uk/hfolk/brixham.htm. Well worth a look! The man on Radio Devon this morning said entry was only £5.

Saturday 11 September 2010 7.30pm - Charity Concert with Glorious Chorus - St Johns Church, Bridgetown, Totnes
plus special acoustic intro sets by the two of the choir’s leading soloists, Louise Parker & Holly MacInnes-Hurd. Tickets £8/£5(conc) available online and from Drift Records, Totnes. Limited tickets on door. For information and to book tickets, visit www.gloriouschorus.co.uk or call 01803 862028

Sunday 12 September 2010 8pm - Julie Felix - Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge (map)
Before the end of 1965 she had sold out the Royal Albert Hall. She became a sensation on BBC TV and her shows were sold around the world. A rare opportunity to enjoy a close up and intimate evening with a much admired worldwide star. www.juliefelix.com £12 door, £10 advance from Neil on 01548 856601.
[Ed. Future events at The Crabshell are in doubt for a combination of reasons, including 'difficulties' with lack of support from certain local media, something I've had problems with too (but not from the Totnes Times people I hasten to add, who've always been very helpful).]

Sold out Monday 13 September 2010 7.30pm - Seth Lakeman - Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, Liskeard (map)
Seated. Hearts & Minds Tour 2010. Box office 01579 362382/362962. Direct booking:  www.sterts.co.uk/product_details.php?category_id=69&item_id=31

17 & 18 September 2010 - Show of Hands - Great Torrington
A Plough Event at R.H.S. Rosemoor Gardens www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

17-19 September 2010 - Acoustica Festival - Exeter Phoenix (map)
The festival of alt-folk, folktronica and Americana returns after a successful debut last year. Expect over 50 acts across three rooms plus sessions on the bar terrace. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk Tel. 01392 667080

Sunday 19 September 2010 8pm - Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston - Topsham Folk Club, Globe Hotel (map)
Miranda has been described as a ‘musical chameleon’ reflecting the way that she so easily slips between musical genres as diverse as folk, jazz and rock/pop. She continues to build a solo repertoire of contemporary and narrative songs that are showcased to critical acclaim on her recent album ‘Bliss’. She has recently started working with mandolin player Rex Preston whose style and fluidity augment her songs beautifully. Call Brian Lewis on 01404 44498 to reserve tickets. www.topshamfolkclub.co.uk

Friday 24 September 2010 - Steve Tilston - Calstock Hall (map)
40 Years Tour. Steve has been described as, an artist of  “stylistic versatility and consummate musicality,” “a complete guitarist,” “a singer songwriter of rare talent” and “absurdly accomplished.” Ask anyone on the English folk scene who is their favourite guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer and nine times out of ten the same name will crop up in the top three of every department. Writer of classic songs performed by the likes of Fairport and Bob Fox. www.calstockhall.org

Sunday 26 September 2010 - Thea Gilmore - Exeter Phoenix (map)
Standing. The singer-songwriter, whose riveting voice at times recalls the elegance of Annie Lennox, has been making intensely personal, socially aware music to considerable acclaim since she was a teenager. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk Tel. 01392 667080

Saturday 2 October 2010 8pm - Seth Lakeman - Princess Theatre, Torquay
Part of Torbay’s Rock Walk re-opening. This concert takes place as part of a special day of celebrations marking the reopening of Torbay’s iconic Royal Terrace Gardens and Rock Walk, opposite the Princess Theatre. The all-day line-up includes the return of the GeoQuest team, live music and festival activities, building up to light and sound spectacular Time & Tide Act III, just before doors open for Seth’s finale concert. A Dartington event: www.dartington.org/arts/seth-lakeman

Sunday 3 October 2010 - Access All Areas Squeezebox Maintenance Day! - Cheriton Bishop Village Hall
Organised by Devon Squeezebox Foundation. Tutors: Rees Wesson, Dave Byett and Colin Dipper. It’s going to be a practical day, with both talks on different aspects of squeezebox maintenance and repair by these excellent box makers/repairers and the opportunity of getting inside that “project” squeezebox you bought, thinking “I could do that up…” We will be advising which tools will be needed nearer the time. We shall be covering Concertinas, Piano Accordions and Melodeons, but if you have something else in mind eg a Bandoneon, just ask, we can probably deal with that too! Places limited, strictly first come, first served. Cost: £30. To book: email Ed Rennie at devonsqueezebox@hotmail.co.uk.

Saturday 16 October 2010 7.30pm - Harvest Barn Dance - Loddiswell Village Hall nr Kingsbridge (map)
Music from Folk 2 (fiddle & keyboard); caller Ken Hudson. Tickets (incl. ploughman's supper) £7, U11s £3, from RS Village Stores or call 01548 550437. Fundraiser for Loddiswell church.

Exmouth area folk & acoustic news for September
from Jeff Lewis is now available on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

Not too far away (a one-off listing)
11-25 September 2010 - St Ives September Festival
A massive line-up including: Courtney Pine; The Unthanks; Eddi Reader; Altan; Donovan & Kirsty McGee (support); The Imagined Village; Paco Peña; Kila; The Fisherman's Friends; Imelda May; Mousehole Male Choir; Robin Trower Band & Hamsters (support); The Beat & John Otway (support); Robin Williamson; Martha Tilston; The Songs of Nick Drake; Carrivick Sisters; Ken Nicol & Phil Cool. See www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk for details.

More in brief - Full listings and details in the South Devon Folk Diary on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
Sunday 12 September 5-7pm - Richard Digance's Devon Folk on BBC Radio Devon
Friday 10 September - Jack Lawrence & Phil Rosenthal - The Watermark, Ivybridge
Saturday 11 September - Jack Lawrence & Richard Plank - George Hotel, South Molton
Saturday 11 September - Andsome And Some (Carrivick Sisters 'Big Band')- The Windjammer, Dartmouth

Cheers
John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk

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25/8/10

Harberton Folk Circular - Wednesday 25 August 2010
Only a selection of events follows below - the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

Friday 10 September 2010 - Jack Lawrence & Phil Rosenthal - The Watermark, Ivybridge (map)
Two of America’s best and influential Bluegrass musicians in an up-close and personal gig. See www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk for box office details (01752 892220).

Saturday 11 September 2010 9pm - Andsome And Some - The Windjammer, Dartmouth (map)
A warm-up gig prior to performing at the Cornish Bluegrass Festival, The Carrivick Sisters are trying out a new five piece band, with some young friends from Cornwall playing originals and classic bluegrass. www.thewindjammer.co.uk. Coming later: 22/9 Ashleigh Flynn; 10/10 Jay Carter

Saturday 18 September 2010 8pm - Autumn Ceilidh - Ipplepen Village Hall, nr Newton Abbot (map)
Dawntreader Ceilidh Band, with Debs calling. Floor spot, bar, soup and rolls, raffle. Tickets £6 in advance from www.beltaneborder.co.uk or Debs on 01803 812387. Door £7, pre-booking recommended via website to avoid disappointment.

Sunday 3 October 2010 11am-3pm - Plymouth Mela - Place de Brest / City Centre Piazza, Plymouth
A palette of colour brought to Plymouth City Centre with Plymouth’s first ever festival of South Asian Arts and Culture! Plymouth South Asian Society and The Barbican Theatre Plymouth have joined forces to present this free one day festival celebrating cultural diversity in Plymouth. The Mela will feature local national and international artists and aims to become nationally and internationally recognised for its’ creative excellence and cultural value. Join us for music, dance, theatre and food and participate in free family friendly workshops. www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

Hanging Johnny - Farewells
After 18+ years, this popular SE Cornwall based shanty crew are calling it a day and are holding two farewell 'parties'. Please bring instruments and voices, or if not a performer - we need audience too. The dates and venues are: Sat 23rd Oct. at The Cross House Inn, Metherell, E. Cornwall and Sat 11th Dec. at The Front Bar, Custom House Quay, Falmouth, W. Cornwall. More details on www.hj.englishfolkmusic.com. (Many thanks to HJ for two brilliant support sets for Harberton Folk concerts)

Opportunities for Musicians & Artists / Acoustica Festival @ Exeter Phoenix Sept 17-19
Part of the 2nd festival of alt-folk and Americana music (www.acousticafestival.co.uk) is a Bizarre Bazaar on Sat 18th, 12-4pm, featuring art, crafts, clothes, instruments, records, collectables and exotica - an opportunity for artists to sell their work free of charge. Call David on 07774 021906 if interested in having a stall. Also: a few slots remain for SW-based singers, musicians and bands across the three days of the festival. Anyone interested should email their details to Patrick Cunningham at patrick@exeterphoenix.org.uk.

Otterton Mill nr Budleigh Salterton (map) has recently announced its autumn music programme (Sept-Dec). This is a small, very popular venue and early booking is advised. Full details of all the following dates can be found at www.ottertonmill.com:
23/9 Ashleigh Flynn; 30/9 James Keelaghan; 7/10 Rory Ellis; 14/10 Christine Collister; 21/10 Little Toby Walker; 4/11 Helen Watson Trio; 11/11 Kirsty Mcgee & Mat Martin; 18/11 Boo Hewerdine; 25/11 Reg Meuross & Beth Porter; 2/12 Jim Crawford; 8/12 Kimmie Rhodes

Major acts at more distant venues
I loosely define the coverage area of  www.harbertonfolk.co.uk and its associated email circulars as '30 miles as the crow flies from Totnes', but I will also briefly include major folk acts at more distant venues if that is their closest tour venue in the SW. So here for the keen travellers and those on the fringe of our patch:
Thursday 30 September - Jim Moray - Brewhouse, Taunton
Saturday 9 October - Peggy Seeger - George Hotel, South Molton
Saturday 16 October - Malinky - Bridgwater Arts Centre
Saturday 23 October - Kate Rusby - Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple
Friday 29 October - Ralph McTell - Brewhouse, Taunton
Friday 29 October - Seth Lakeman - Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Saturday 6 November - Norma Waterson & Eliza Carthy - Bridgwater Arts Centre
Wednesday 10 November - Blazin' Fiddles - Brewhouse, Taunton
Wednesday 10 November - Ralph McTell - Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Sunday 28 November - Dick Gaughan - George Hotel, South Molton
Thursday 2 December - Dick Gaughan - Bridgwater Arts Centre
Website links for these venues will usually appear in the Diary on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

More in brief - Full listings and details in the South Devon Folk Diary on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
Sunday 12 September - Julie Felix - Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge
Friday 24 September -  Shanty Spectacular - Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth
Friday 24 September - Steve Tilston - Calstock Hall
Friday 24 September - Davey Arthur Band - Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Thursday 7 October - Maddy Prior - Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Friday 22 October - Brass Monkey - The Watermark, Ivybridge
Saturday 23 October - 3 Daft Monkeys - Tavistock Wharf
Tuesday 9 November - Ralph McTell - Tavistock Wharf
Friday 12 November - Pete Coe - Exeter Traditional  Music Club
Friday 25 February 2011 - Fairport Convention - Exeter Corn Exchange
Friday 22 April 2011 - Feast of Fiddles - Exeter Corn Exchange

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14/8/10

Harberton Folk Circular - Saturday 14 August 2010
Only a selection of listings, mostly new this time, follows below - the full open-ended southern Devon Folk Diary appears on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

Sunday 12 September 2010 8pm - Julie Felix - Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge (map)
In 1962 she left California to busk her way around Europe. In late 1964 she arrived in London. Before the end of 1965 she had sold out the Royal Albert Hall. She became a sensation on BBC TV. Now 72, her renowned good looks are as striking as ever. A rare opportunity to enjoy a close up and intimate evening with a much admired worldwide star. www.juliefelix.com £12 door, £10 advance from Neil on 01548 856601.
(Coming next: Sun 12 Dec - Sid Kipper!)

Friday 24 September 2010 8pm -  Shanty Spectacular - Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth (map)
with Kimber's Men, from Yorkshire, and the Exmouth Shantymen. Tickets £10 from www.blackmoretheatre.co.uk or the Town Hall Clerk townclerk@exmouth.gov.uk

Out of our area, but a great band...
Saturday 2 October 2010 8pm - Ceilidh with The Old Swan Band - Langtree Village Hall nr Torrington
Caller Jo Freya. Tickets £8. Unlimited soft drinks included. BYO booze. Bring & Share Supper (optional). Further info and ticket reservations John Blackburn 01237 476632 jwbeblackburn@aol.com

Wednesday 6 October 2010 - Mark Chadwick - Exeter Phoenix (map)
One of the UK’s most successful songwriters, Mark Chadwick has co-written 20 chart singles and 6 Top 40 albums (including a Number 1) as part of The Levellers, the band he has fronted for over 20 years. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk Tel. 01392 667080

Friday 22 October 2010 8pm - Brass Monkey - The Watermark, Ivybridge (map)
Tickets now available for Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick & Co. Box office 01752 892220 www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk

Friday 5 November 2010 8.30pm - 3 Daft Monkeys - Exeter Phoenix (map)
This band have a unique brand of rousing vocals, frenetic fiddling, 12-string guitar, dancing bass and foot drum produce a sound far too diverse to be pigeonholed into one genre. They create a stunning blend of upbeat, danceable music which, despite all its world influences, remains undeniably British. The Starkadders support. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk Tel. 01392 667080

New folk website in the South Hams
I've just become aware of www.shamstrad.co.uk which gives details of what's happening at the Crabshell in Kingsbridge (concerts/regular session) and the sessions at the Globe Inn in Frogmore and the Royal Oak in Malborough.

Dartington pub looking for music
Mark the new landlord at the newly refurbished Cott Inn, due to re-open on Mon 16 Aug, is apparently keen for people to set up music sessions, not necessarily folk.

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Sunday evenings 5-7pm - Richard Digance's Devon Folk on BBC Radio Devon
Weekly show, see www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p007h3v0 for details. Contact details: devonfolk@bbc.co.uk or write to Richard Digance, BBC Radio Devon, PO Box 1034, Plymouth. Note that the show is always pre-recorded, up to two weeks in advance.

New Session in Totnes
1st and 3rd Mondays, "mainly English tunes/songs", at the Bay Horse Inn, 8 Cistern St, Totnes TQ9 5SP (map) tel 01803 862088, where of course you can also buy tickets (cash or cheque) for Harberton Folk's concert:

A great programme from a more distant venue - The David Hall, South Petherton (A303, Somerset)
From time to time we give mention to venues outside our normal coverage area. The David Hall www.thedavidhall.org.uk is perhaps 'within range' for those in the east of our region:
4/9 Bob Fox and Billy Mitchell; 18/9 Little Johnny England; 28/9 Spiers & Boden; 1/10 Richard Digance; 9/10 Chris While & Julie Matthews; 30/10 Michael McGoldrick & Friends; 6/11 Kan featuring Brian Finnegan (Flook) and Aidan O’Rourke (Lau); 20/11 Kathryn Tickell Band; 9/12 Steve Knightley (live recording for album); 10&11/12 St Agnes Fountain; 18/12 Malinky; 22/1 Miranda Sykes with Rex Preston

Oysterband Acoustic
Just heard that the band are touring again in October, but the closest they come to us is Bridport on Tues 5th Oct. See www.oysterband.co.uk for full details.
I've only just become aware of The Electric Palace (a former cinema) in Bridport www.electricpalace.org.uk thanks to a regular email for Somerset & Dorset folk events - see www.sadfolk.co.uk for details. This venue also has Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick (4/9), The Levellers (10/11), The Wurzels (20/11) and Seth Lakeman (21/11) lined up.

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Sarah McQuaid
Singer songwriter guitarist (music samples at www.sarahmcquaid.com) is appearing at various southern Devon venues in October, mainly through "Villages in Action" (www.villagesinaction.co.uk): 9/10 South Pool nr Kingsbridge (01548 531304); 10/10 Rattery nr Totnes (01364 643741); 17/10 Sheepstor nr Yelverton (01822 853186) and 22/10 Dunkeswell nr Honiton (01404 891677). Also at Bridge Inn Topsham, with Hector Gilchrist, on 21/10 (01392 873862).

Exmouth area folk & acoustic news for July
from Jeff Lewis is now available on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.

Calstock Arts - The Old Chapel, Calstock
Jan and I had the real pleasure of seeing Peter Knight's Gigspanner perform at this splendid 110-seat recently opened volunteer run arts venue overlooking the Tamar back in May. They're also looking for people to play an acoustic set at their Friday night bar (expenses only available). Contact details and their developing mixed arts programme can be seen at www.calstockarts.org.uk. Events are timed to fit in well with a train service from Plymouth to Calstock Station, only 2 mins' walk away.

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Online Folk Petition - www.petitiononline.com/folkon/

Thanks to Dartmoor Brewery and the Bay Horse Inn Totnes
Following an excellent sell-out concert by the New Rope String Band at Harberton last weekend, Harberton Folk would once again like to express special thanks to Dartmoor Brewery (formerly Princetown Brewery) for their generous sponsorship in supplying the real ale for the evening's bar in the form of a barrel of their recently released new real ale called 'Legend' (4.4% ABV).
The barrel was drained, needless to say, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The additional proceeds yielded will benefit Harberton Cricket Club.

Our thanks too for helping to set up this sponsorship to Rob at the Bay Horse Inn in Totnes (see www.bayhorsetotnes.com), where incidentally you can buy tickets for Harberton Folk's concert:

Live jazz enthusiasts may also care to try out the Bay Horse Inn's After Eight Jazz Club on Sunday evenings, free entry, programme details on www.bayhorsetotnes.com.

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New folk festival listing website
www.ukfolkfestivals.co.uk "tries to list almost every folk music festival in the UK" [and seems to do quite a good job]

(Pub) Folk Sessions
I have decided to discontinue the listing page for pub sessions on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk for two reasons: a) because this information is difficult to keep updated and b) because Trevor does an excellent job of listing such information on www.flaxey-green.co.uk, along with a wealth of other good folk information for the area. I will however continue to e-circulate session news (e.g. a new venue) as and when I'm sent it.

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More folk/roots music on local radio - Phonic FM (106.8 in Exeter; www.phonic.fm worldwide)
Martin Henning, Rich Cooke and Martin Hodge present 'Roots & Shoots' every Monday 6-8pm. They play folk/roots music from around the world and always include local music, often featuring live music - our next scheduled performers being Mad Dog McRea on Monday 10 May.

More-distant venue highlights
Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington (N Devon) www.theploughartscentre.org.uk:
Show of Hands Standing 14/4; Daughters of Elvin medieval music & dance-theatre 24/4; Wild Willy Barrett's Sleeping Dogz 25/4; Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes 29/4; Kevin Dempsey & Jo Broughton 7/5;
The David Hall, South Petherton (A303, Somerset) www.thedavidhall.org.uk: Battlefield Band 11/4; John Tams & Barry Coope 17/4; Acoustic Fairport 3/5 & 4/5; Luka Bloom 21/5; Bella Hardy & Anna Massie 22/5; Martin Carthy 12/6, Steve Knightley 22/6

This week's "more distant" venue highlights:
The George Hotel, South Molton (map) Bookings 01769 572514. www.georgehotelsouthmolton.co.uk
Fri 14/5 Martin Simpson; Sat 19/6 Gordon Giltrap; Sun 4/7 Artisan Reunion Tour; Fri 16/7 Reg Meuross

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The Blue Walnut Cafe, Chelston, Torquay (map)
is a very small and intimate venue putting on a great selection of music and more, including: Sat 10/4 - Jane Taylor; Sat 17/4 - Wizz Jones; Sat 24/4 - Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin; Sat 15/5 - Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart; Fri 21/5 - Cam Penner; Sat 19/6 - Sarah McQuaid. See www.bluewalnutcafe.com for full details and more events.

Folk music workshops in France
If you fancy combining a holiday in the Pays de la Loire Region with folk workshops with the likes of Reg Meuross, Mike Silver, Craig Morgan Robson, Johnny Coppin, Mike O'Connor or Martyn Wyndham-Read & Iris Bishop, see www.lagrandegennerie.com/2.html for more info.

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Flaxey Green on Twitter
www.flaxey-green.co.uk is a great source of all manner of folk information for southern Devon. Latest updates are now posted on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FlaxeyGreen - add flaxey green to your follow list and receive updates in your mailbox.

Folk (Social) Dance Clubs
I'm including this item in response to a request to publicise an event being held by Totnes Folk Dance Club (e.g. Sat 5th Dec, Dance to Ivor Hyde's Band, caller Robert Blackborrow, Civic Hall Totnes 8.30pm). There is in fact a large number of such clubs, including Scottish, Irish Set, Country, Playford etc. all across our area, holding regular club meetings and public events. I have never included this information in the Harberton Folk listings and don't intend to start now, but full details of most such events/meetings can be found in the monthly What's On listings on www.flaxey-green.co.uk and contact/location details for all such clubs can be found on www.devonfolk.co.uk.

New live acoustic music venue - Cheriton Bishop
The Mulberry is a recently refurbished pub (www.themulberrydevon.com, website not fully refurbished yet) 10 mins W of Exeter on the A30 and looking to put on a programme of acoustic music events. They start on Weds 25th Nov with Dan Donnelly, see www.sonovagun.com.

New events listing website
There's a new, free, general, events website (including music, e.g. Harberton Folk) designed specifically for Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe & the South Hams (and sometimes beyond) at www.southhamsevents.co.uk. Worth a look.

The True and Terrible History of John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee
An Arts Council/Lottery funded performance of this show by Kevin Burke, with live music throughout (from the Fairport album) by Little Johnny England took place 'up country' last week. See www.kevinburke.co.uk/babbacombe_lee.html for details. It is planned to tour the production in Spring 2010. They are looking for venues. Anyone interested?

Two items gleaned from the Acoustic Calendar for Wessex (updates)
Exeter: “Totally Irish session” at The First and Last, 90 Cowick St. EX4 1HL (01392 273960), moved from 1st to 2nd Thursday of the month, 8.30pm.
Topsham (nr. Exeter): Blues at the Bridge, the Bridge Inn, Bridge Hill EX3 0QQ (01392 873862) - First Monday of every month, 8pm for 8:30pm. “Open mic (off the floor) and Blues Jam Session. Blues and related music - acoustic only. No bands, but solo artists and duos are very welcome. Guitar, harmonica, sax, mandolin ... whatever. If you play blues and/or related music, come and have a go. No experience necessary!!! Those planning to play should try to sign in before 8:30pm. The event will start at 8:30pm sharp. First come first served.”
[The Acoustic Calendar for Wessex is an amazing "Guide to folk clubs, singarounds, acoustic sessions & open mic" and essentially covers Somerset and Dorset, but also bits of all surrounding counties. Read more and/or download the full Calendar at www.folkmusicsomerset.co.uk/somerset_folk_diary.php. It's also available by email subscription.]

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An 'interesting' email problem
Those of you who read my recent notes about the various problems I experience when sending these e-circulars may be interested/amused to see a (new) rejection message received from a recipient at a local educational establishment. I have highlighted the offending word in bold/red and added spaces so it's not rejected again. This word appeared in the item about Hayseed Dixie:
Microsoft Antigen for Exchange found a message matching a filter. The message is currently Identified.
Message: "hf21_30 080226"
Filter name: "KEYWORD= racial discrimination: h i l l b i l l y"
Sent from: "John Culf"

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A Virus Warning - but please do read this, unlike the usual hoaxes that circulate which are simply designed to clog up the email airwaves:
"There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, orally, and by hand. This virus is called Weary-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely. If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest grocery store. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolating-Neutralizer-Extract (WINE) or Bothersome-Employer-Elimination-Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system. You should forward this warning to 5 friends. If you do not have 5 friends, you have already been infected."

'Virus' warnings - Chain emails (e.g. petrol prices) - Please avoid them
With 1400+ email contacts, if there's junk going around I usually see quite a few examples of it. If you receive a chain email, such as those that warn of a terrible virus circulating which will destroy your hard disk, do please take a moment to check before forwarding it to your entire address book. Pick out a couple of salient words and put them into Google, e.g. "olympic torch email", and you'll soon see that they are invariably hoaxes, simply designed to further clog up email servers across the globe. And whilst possibly originally well intentioned, the petrol price emails doing the rounds have essentially been around since 1999 - see http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_gas_boycott_2006.htm and read the analysis/comments.

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Other interesting local music links
Plymouth Classical Music Concert Diary www.plyclassical.co.uk - Comprehensive month-by-month listings of all types of classical music in and around Plymouth, plus some jazz and folk, including Harberton Folk's events.
Plymouth Music Accord www.plymouthmusicaccord.co.uk - Registered Charity promoting the appreciation and performance of music in the Plymouth area. Members include local orchestras, bands, choirs, opera groups, etc. and many promoters and venues, and Plymouth Folk Festival (who have a brand new, smart website).
'Off topic' but we'll mention a couple of other local live music sources for different genres:
Totnes Early Music Society www.totnesearlymusic.org.uk - fairly self-explanatory

Somerset & Dorset (SADFOLK) folk events
A mention/reminder for a regular and comprehensive emailed listing available through www.sadfolk.co.uk (Somerset and Dorset folk) of folk events in venues large and small in those two counties, some of which are not too far away from the Harberton Folk area.

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